How Tim lost his sight

It was just a regular day in 2003 when it happened. Tim was at work, sitting at his desk. One moment, everything was normal. Next, the reflection on the computer screen stayed in Tim’s vision – it seemed to be imprinted on his right eye.

Tim visited his optometrist, who told him a blood clot had destroyed the optic nerve in his eye, which will eventually result in blindness. Over the following years Tim’s sight diminished dramatically in his left eye, too.

Luckily, Tim soon found help. He says ‘one of his best moments’ was making contact with the Blind Foundation.

Tim Philip feels lucky to have a close-knit family

Tim feels lucky to have a close-knit family – a loving wife, daughter and five grandchildren. He’s happy to have his family and the Blind Foundation supporting him, and described generous supporters of the Blind Foundation as invaluable:

“All the services you help provide through your donations are wonderful – from the first visit with the Blind Foundation homecare people to the follow-up phone calls, orientation through malls and streets.

I’m overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and patience shown by all Blind Foundation support staff…there seems to be no end to the kindness shown by fellow Kiwis out there.”

To everybody who has helped him regain his confidence and enjoy the small things in life again – Tim says thank you. He quickly realised that life without support and knowledge would be difficult.

“If I was to tell supporters anything, it’s thank you – every cent that’s donated changes a sight-impaired individual’s life in ways people may not think of; just getting my day-to-day confidence back has been wonderful. I feel absolute elation that people understand what a sight-impaired person goes through, and that they’re able to help.”

While Tim is completely blind in one eye, he has recently had successful cataract surgery in his other eye. There is hope things may improve – our thoughts are with him during his recovery.